Miniature Golden Retriever

The Truth About The Miniature Golden Retriever

Let’s get the truth about the miniature golden retriever out right from the beginning. Officially speaking, there is no such thing as a miniature golden retriever. Most official breeders and kennel clubs do not recognize this as a specific breed. The only true dog breed of this type is the much-loved golden retriever, which is a certified member of the American Kennel Club’s sporting group.

Usually, a dog that is known as a miniature golden retriever will be one of two things:

• It is purebred golden retriever that is smaller than normal

• It is the result of cross-breeding a golden retriever with a different breed of dog that is smaller in size

Beware of any breeder or pet store that is claiming to have a purebred miniature golden retriever, because they are misleading you. The pup is most likely a result of cross-breeding, and all good breeders will be honest about that.

Designer Dogs

There are certain breeders that purposely cross breed because of the popularity of certain cross-bred dogs, also known as designer dogs. Interesting new dog names pop up frequently as a result of cross-breeding:

• Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador and a poodle
• Cockapoo, a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle
• Golden Doodle, a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle
• Schnoodle, a cross between a schnauzer and a poodle

And these are just the few with official names. If you do not have a problem with a cross-bred dog, then a smaller version of the golden retriever that has been coupled with a different small breed may be the right pup for you.

The Result Of Crossbreeding

It is common to find smaller-sized look-alikes when the golden retriever is bred with a cocker spaniel. The two dogs have enough similar features that make their offspring appear to be miniature versions of a pure bred golden retriever. Keep in mind, though, that a crossbred dog’s size can never be 100 percent predictable, because it cannot be determined which characteristics will be dominant. Although they are not considered to be pure breeds, these cross-bred pups can still be wonderful pets and may be the perfect choice for someone who wants a golden retriever but does not have the space for a medium to large dog.

Buying Tips

If you are looking for a pure breed of golden retriever, however, you will not find a mini at a reputable dog breeder. The best thing to do is do the research: look around and inquire about smaller parents that could produce puppies that might be smaller than average in size. Keep in mind, however, that these pups will probably not weigh significantly less than the norm for the golden retriever breed of dog, which is around 75 pounds for males and 65 pounds for females.

Keeping Golden Retrievers As Pets

Miniature or not, the golden retriever is the fourth most popular breed of dog in the United Stated and for good reason. This is one of the most pleasant dog breeds you will find. The golden retriever is one of the most family-friendly types of dog, and no one will deny that they are truly a beautiful dog. Golden retrievers are generally classified as a medium-sized dog, but they definitely need space to run around. They are highly active, great with kids and love to play, so this is a superb family dog for anyone willing to go for short walks and take out some playtime every day.